Young women graduate from Ekurhuleni Artisans and Skills Training Centre
Local women empowerment organisation partnered with the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation in changing the lives of young women.
Young women from AbafaziPhambili recently graduated from a short plumbing course at the Ekurhuleni Artisans and Skills Training Centre, an initiative supported by the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET).
AbafaziPhambili founder, Sis’ Mantoa Selepe, expressed her gratitude to CRET.
“This programme is made possible by our funder, the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust.
“These young women have completed matric but lack the funds to pursue further studies. This course will help them change their lives for the better.”
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Youth and skills development administrator for CRET, Sharlotte Mkansi, explained that the partnership with AbafaziPhambili started when Sis Mantoa attended CRET’s annual graduate award ceremony.
“We connected over our shared passion for empowering youth, especially young women.
“Together, we brainstormed ways to support young women in Thembisa, and that’s how this partnership was born,” said Mkansi.
She added that they hope to continue the partnership and explore additional opportunities for these young women.
“Completing this trade-related course is just the beginning.
“We’re looking into entrepreneurship and mentorship initiatives that could help them start their own businesses,” Mkansi added.
EASTC’s head of business development, Nandipha Dzingwe, noted the growing number of women enrolling in traditionally male-dominated fields and encouraged more women to pursue these opportunities.
Plumbing instructor Sibongile Zwane shared that the students were motivated and eager to learn, with many expressing interest in starting their own businesses.
Graduate Rethabile Tsolo reflected on her experience.
“I learned about AbafaziPhambili from my sister in 2019.
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“The organisation’s values align with mine, and it has taught me to believe in myself and ignore discouragement. I want to empower other women and start my own business.”
Another graduate, Gift Mabele, joined AbafaziPhambili a year ago and found it to be a supportive and safe space during a difficult time.
“The organisation became my family, thanks to Sis Mantoa and all the ladies,” she said.
Mabele enjoyed the plumbing course and now dreams of making a name for herself in the industry.
“I’m grateful to Sis Mantoa and the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust for this wonderful opportunity, and I hope they continue helping other young women.”
